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An essay donated by "Tricia B"

The Baha'i position on same-sex behavior

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To understand the Bahai position on homosexuality you have to
understand the Bahai position on sex conduct in general. The teaching considers
all sex act (kissing, masturbation, intercourse, etc.) outside of [opposite-sex]
marriage to be immoral. It doesn't matter if it is hetero- or homosexual in
nature.

Unfortunately, for the homosexual, Bahai law (as
explicitly written by the prophet Bahaulla) states that marriage is between
one man and and one woman. Therefore, marriage is not available to the
homosexual.

Second, Bahai law deals with violations of sex conduct the same way whether the
parties are homosexual or heterosexual. The community will not intervene and
issue sanctions unless the individual openly and flagrantly flaunts their
conduct. This is because Baha'i's believe in progressive revelation: As ones
capacity to understand grows, the individual will gradually and independently
conform their behaviors to the will of God.

For example, sometimes heterosexual couples violate the sex conduct laws. The
community will intervene usually only if the couple starts to cohabitate or
publicly flaunt their relationship.

Baha'is recognize that the sex conduct laws place a heavy burden on the
homosexual. For this reason, the guidance cautions us about being compassionate
and tolerate... And not hypocritical by using two different approaches for
dealing with sexual misconduct by heterosexuals and homosexuals.

That being said, in general Baha'i makes a distinction between a sinner (a
person) and his sin (his action). The sinner can redeem themselves by stop
sinning. So, there is a difference between the homosexual person and homosexual
activity.

It is possible for one to be homosexual and a Baha'i with full administrative
rights, so long as one remain celibate or discreet about her homosexual
activity.

Therefore, to say that Baha'i's are intolerant of homosexuals is not true.
Baha'is are intolerant of all publicly flagrant
violations of violations of Baha'i law whether it is joining political parties,
cohabitation, common law marriages, or homosexual activity. They are all
considered covenant breaking actions.